Learning Support Services

Topic outline

General

General

LEARNER SUPPORT DEPARTMENT

Overview of Learning Support

Overview of Learning Support

Learning Support services are administered by the Learning Support Department. Mrs Rachael Martin is the Head of Department. We are here to support students' learning, behaviour and ability to work successfully at school. We look forward to working with you! If you have any questions you would like to ask, please contact: Phone: 232-8184 ex (847) Email: rmartin@tawacollege.school.nz

ICT Support

ICT Support

Every Wednesday 8.30am to 9.30am the Learning Support Services Department offers ICT support in the F Block computer suite.

This includes setting up folders, Excel, Word, printing off work and any other queries or questions students may have.

Lexia programmes are also available for use in the F Block computer suite during form times and Wednesday mornings from 8.30am to 9.30am. See the Lexia tab for more information about these.

We encourage students who struggle with reading and writing to use laptops. Laptops help to remove barriers to writing and are used for recording work and demonstrating academic knowledge. Students who have been granted computer use as a specialist assessment condition (SAC) can use their laptops for assessments in both the junior school and in the senior school at NCEA level.

The Learning Support Department has developed a visual CD which describes in detail the differing aspects of College life and essential information required when entering into College.

Orientation Booklet

There is also an Orientation Booklet which describes timetabling, teacher codes, room numbers, uniform, activities and other essential useful information that students may require before entering into College.

Literacy Strategies

Literacy Strategies

The Learning Support Department has developed a programme which assists students with developing Literacy Strategies, spelling and addressing any issues with reading and writing. This programme aims to support students by assisting them with;

Developing literacy skills

English, as for some students this is a second language

Additional support with reading and writing skills

Reinforcing aspects of English which in turn helps the students in their other classes

This is a targeted programme which uses evidence based assessment to inform teaching and learning practices. Areas of strength and improvement are identified, shared and proactively worked upon together in order to support the students development.

Social Clubs

Social Clubs

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast club isavailable every Wednesday, term time only, from 8.30am to 9.30am in the Senior Common Room. Year 9 to Year 13 students have a chance to chat, catch up with homework and academic work. They can talk about adjusting to College life and have an opportunity to build relationships with other students, also join in activities occurring at the school. Students are also offered breakfast at this time.

Lunch /Friendship/Creative Club

In F Block on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday lunch time we have a classroom available for games, being creative, making cards. It can also be a time to share experiences about college life, create new friendships, even do some homework and socialise whilst eating lunch together.

Educational Psychologists

Educational Psychologists

As a result of testing, or concerns from parents or teachers, students are sometimes referred to an educational psychologist.
An educational psychologist's assessment determines whether or not a student has a specific learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia or dysgraphia. They can make recommendations about special assessment conditions (SAC), such as a reader/writer, laptop or extra time. NZQA dictate that students must use SAC in the junior school to be eligible to use this assistance for NCEA assessments. They can also provide helpful information about the a students learning profile and strategies for supporting their learning at home and in the classroom.
The cost of a report by an educational psychologist can vary greatly depending on who you see, but starts at $350. There are two options for payment: either you pay the psychologist, or the school can pay on your behalf and set up a repayment system for you with the school.

Equine/Canine Therapy Programmes

Equine/Canine Therapy Programmes

Equine Therapy @ Tawa College is a programme that is run in conjunction with Caroline Beaufort, an art teacher at Kapiti College and an equine therapist using her rescued Kaimanawa Horses @ Raumati South, Paraparaumu.

Horses are very good to use as therapy for the young people. They react to the behaviour of the person they are with; ultimately the horse wants to feel safe. If the horse is with someone who is aggressive, noisy, and disrespectful or too controlling it will be afraid. it will however cooperate if a person makes requests rather than demands.

Young people, even those with emotional or mental disorders, can often manage a horse more easily and more quickly than adults. They accept things at face value and are more open to developing an equal relationship with the horse rather than one of control.

A horse is looking for simple and clear commands, and a young person with the right encouragement and in the right situation, can carry out very effectively.

For young people with mental and emotional disorders the positive benefits of getting a horse to carry out these commands are often profound. Once a young person realises what they can achieve their self-esteem increases in leaps and bounds.

Canine Therapy What Is It?

Canine-assisted therapy uses dogs to promote health and healing. Like other animals, dogs are accepting, comforting and non-judgmental, making them ideal therapy companions.

A variety of students can benefit from canine therapy, including those with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural problems. It is particularly beneficial when the student is resistant to or struggles to communicate verbally. Canine therapy is also useful for children and teens that have difficulty focusing.

Because dogs often mirror the feelings of the student, canine therapy can help teach students to manage their emotions. The calmer the student is, the more agreeable the dog becomes.

Canine therapy can be immensely healing. Children and teens respond particularly well to canine therapy, developing trust and strong bonds with the animals. Many find it easier to open up and talk when the focus is on the dog. The teacher working with the student can gain valuable insights by observing the interactions between students and Tawa College canine companion.

LASS Testing Program

LASS Testing Program

LASS testing ~ What is it all about? LASS is a multifunctional assessment computer system that students find challenging and entertaining.

It assess

Visual Memory

Auditory-verbal memory

Phonic reading skills

Phonological processing ability

Single word reading

Sentence Reading

Spelling

Reasoning

LASS enables teachers to identify students with dyslexia (specific learning difficulty). Interpretation of LASS results is straightforward. Results clearly show children's strengths and weaknesses. Use of a standardised graphical profile makes it easy to spot students who are underperforming. Any difficulties of a dyslexic nature or caused by underlying cognitive problems in phonology and/or memory can swiftly be identified. Assessment can be carried out on a regular basis to monitor progress. This information can be used in formulating Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and is valuable when considering whether or not to request a formal assessment by an educational psychologist. It can also be used as supporting evidence when applying for special assessment conditions (SAC) on NCEA assessments. If you have a question about LASS testing, you can contact Merita Wawatai at mwawatai@tawacollege.school.nz.